your parents came here illegally when you were 12 years old from el salvador? >> that's correct. since i came to the united states, i live in maryland. i live in maryland for the last 10 years. i feel fully american. >> reporter: in november maryland voters will have a chance to change ricky's future. a ballot measure will determine whether illegal immigrants can or can not receive in-state tuition at state colleges. mary russell is with the maryland catholic conference. why should maryland allow kids who are here illegally receive taxpayer money for state tuition? >> well i think we need to look at these children as maryland taxpayers. >> reporter: in fact, in order to qualify for the program, students have to prove their parents filed taxes for three years. opponents say the measure encourages illegal immigration. >> it is just another part of the giveaway to noncitizens. >> reporter: opponents of this measure say you are a bad investment because you can't vote, you can't drive a car, and you can't work legally. what do you say to that? >> i'm also a taxpayer and, i would like